Due to a new Missouri law, teachers could be taking on a new responsibility.

Senate Bill 656 allows school districts to appoint staff members in the district to carry a concealed weapon for protection in case of an emergency. Only members of the district's Board of Education will know the names of these select individuals. The district must then notify the director of the department of Public Safety who these individuals are.

This law is not a required to be implemented in each district. It is strictly a district by district decision.

Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to legislation that could allow specially trained teachers and other school personnel to carry concealed weapons.

Supporters say the measure would protect schools from intruders, but opponents say it could compromise safety by having firearms in classrooms.

The bill sent to Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday would also lower the minimum age required to get a concealed weapons permit to 19 from 21. The House voted 111-28 in favor of the bill. It cleared the Senate a day earlier.

Some of the state's smallest counties aren't prepared to issue concealed-carry permits even though a law giving them that responsibility took effect last week.

The Southeast Missourian reports that the holdup is occurring in small third-class counties. Bollinger County Sheriff Darin Shell says small counties like his are waiting to receive grant money from the Missouri Sheriff's Association to purchase software that allows them to issue the permits.